Trailing 26-13 at the time, the Broncos were booed off the field at halftime Sunday. By the time they started to wage a comeback against the Rams in the game’s final minutes, there were thousands of empty seats.

“We’ve got to give them reasons to stay in their seats,” Broncos quarterback Kyle Orton said. “We’ve got to play better.”

The Broncos, with their next three on the road, won’t play again at Invesco Field at Mile High until a Dec. 26 game against the Houston Texans. The Broncos finish the season at home Jan. 2 against the Chargers.

Asked if he heard the boos at halftime, linebacker Jason Hunter said: “I know the fans are frustrated. We’re frustrated too. We want it just as bad as they do.”

After leading the Broncos in rushing during the preseason, Ball spent most of the regular season on the practice squad until he was promoted to the 53-man roster three weeks ago. And now he’s been promoted again.

Ball rushed for 31 yards on four carries against St. Louis.

“They said to be patient and keep working and we’ll eventually call you up,” Ball said. “They gave me my chance and it feels good to contribute.”

Ayers back in business.

Broncos outside linebacker Robert Ayers returned after missing the last five games with a broken foot.

Ayers tackled running back Steven Jackson after a 1-yard gain on the Rams’ first offensive play.

Ayers, who rotated with Hunter for much of the game, finished with two tackles but no sacks or quarterback pressures.

“I was excited to be out there and my foot held up great,” Ayers said.

The Broncos hit St. Louis quarterback Sam Bradford five times, with Mario Haggan and Kevin Vickerson each recording a sack.

Decker delivers.

Third-round draft pick Eric Decker made his first and second NFL catches in the second half. His second catch was nearly his first touchdown, but he was tackled at the 2-yard line.

With first-round draft pick Demaryius Thomas out because of an ankle injury — he is still wearing a protective boot — Decker lined up at times in the Broncos’ three-wide receiver formations.

Third down no charm.

Third down continues to be a trouble spot for the Denver offense. The Broncos converted just 1-of-9 against the Rams, making them 2-of-21 in their last two games.

“When we sputter offensively, we have some negative plays, find ourselves in third-and-12, third-and-15, third-and-10,” Broncos coach Josh McDaniels said. “We’ve got to do a better job on first and second down and stay out of those situations.”

Injury report.

Brian Dawkins left the game because of a knee injury and did not return. The veteran safety missed two games this season with a sprained knee.

Dawkins is expected to be evaluated again today. That could include an MRI.

Jackson slowed.

The Broncos’ defensive game plan against the Rams was clear: Stop Jackson.

The Rams’ star tailback finished the game with 72 yards — he averaged only 2.5 yards per carry — and no touchdowns.

“People are going to find ways to do that to you,” St. Louis coach Steve Spagnuolo said.

Two firsts.

The Rams’ 36-33 victory was their first on the road this season and also their first victory in November.

Footnotes.

Between the first and second quarters, the Broncos honored Rob Lytle, one of the most popular players on their 1977 Orange Crush team. Lytle died last week of a heart attack, eight days after his 56th birthday. . . . The Broncos and Cardinals are the only teams in the NFL surrendering at least 29 points per game.

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